The first step is contacting Social Security to begin your claim

You start SSDI by filing a claim with the Social Security Administration. You can do this in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your medical records and work history ready. If you call or visit an office, a representative will walk you through the same questions.

When you file, Social Security will ask about your medical condition, when it started, which doctors have treated you, and your work history. Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and a list of doctors and hospitals ready before you start. If you're filing because you can no longer work, Social Security will also ask when you stopped working and why.

Filing a claim does not cost anything. Social Security does not charge a fee to submit your process. If your claim is later approved and you receive back pay, a lawyer or representative can take up to 25 percent of that back pay as a fee, but only if you agree to it in writing beforehand.

Key Takeaways

  • You can file your SSDI claim online, by phone, or at a Social Security office, and the process starts with basic information about your medical condition and work history.
  • Social Security will ask for the names of your doctors and hospitals, so gather those details before you file to speed up the process.
  • After you file, Social Security sends your case to a state disability examiner who reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet the definition of disability.
  • The decision usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration or appeal, and many people are approved on appeal even after an initial denial.

What happens after you file your claim

Once you submit your process, Social Security assigns your case to a Disability information Services office in your state. This office is separate from Social Security itself—it is run by your state and staffed by disability examiners and medical consultants. The examiner will review your medical records, contact your doctors if needed, and decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

Social Security will send you a letter telling you what happens next. If the office needs more information from your doctors, it will request those records directly. You do not have to do anything unless Social Security asks you to. If you do receive a request for more information, respond as quickly as you can—delays in sending records can slow down your case.

You can check the status of your claim online at ssa.gov using your my Social Security account, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will also send you updates by mail as your case moves forward.

How long the decision takes

Most SSDI decisions take between three and six months. Some cases move faster if your medical records are clear and your condition obviously meets the disability rules. Other cases take longer because Social Security needs to request additional medical evidence, order a consultative exam, or review complex medical history.

If your case is taking longer than expected, you can call Social Security to ask for an update. There is no way to speed up the process, but knowing where your case stands can help you plan. If you have not heard anything in six months, contact your local Social Security office to confirm they have all your medical records.

Understanding the medical review process

The disability examiner will look at your medical records to see whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. Social Security has a list of conditions that automatically meet the disability standard—these are called the Blue Book. If your condition is on the list and your medical records match the requirements, your case may be approved quickly.

If your condition is not on the Blue Book list, or if your records do not fully match the requirements, the examiner will do a more detailed review. This review looks at how your condition affects your ability to do work—not just whether you have a diagnosis, but whether the diagnosis prevents you from sitting, standing, concentrating, remembering instructions, or doing other work tasks.

Sometimes Social Security will order a consultative exam—a medical appointment with a doctor chosen by Social Security, not your own doctor. This exam is free and is meant to fill gaps in your medical records. If Social Security orders this exam, they will send you a letter with the date, time, and location.

What to do if Social Security denies your claim

If Social Security denies your claim, you receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include: your condition is not severe enough, you have not worked long enough to have enough work credits, or your medical records do not show that your condition prevents you from working.

You have the right to challenge a denial. The first step is to request reconsideration, which means a different examiner will review your case from the beginning. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge

Many people are approved on appeal even after an initial denial. The appeal process gives you a chance to submit new medical records, get a statement from your doctor about why you cannot work, or explain in more detail how your condition affects your daily life. If you decide to appeal, consider working with a lawyer or representative who specializes in Social Security cases—they know what evidence judges look for and how to present your case effectively.

Gathering the medical records Social Security needs

Social Security will request your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals, but you can speed up the process by gathering them yourself. Before you file, contact each doctor or hospital you have seen and ask for copies of your medical records, test results, and imaging reports. Bring these with you if you file in person, or upload them if you file online.

The records Social Security cares most about are recent ones—usually from the past three months. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may ask you to get a medical exam so there is current evidence of your condition. If you cannot afford to see a doctor, tell Social Security this when you file. In some cases, they will order the consultative exam mentioned above.

Keep copies of everything you send to Social Security. Write your Social Security number on each page so the records do not get mixed up with someone else's file. If you are working with a representative or lawyer, give them copies as well.

Working with a representative or lawyer

You do not need a lawyer to file for SSDI, but many people find it helpful to have one, especially if their case is denied and they need to appeal. A Social Security representative can be a lawyer, a non-lawyer advocate, or a member of a disability organization. They can help you gather medical records, prepare for a hearing, and present your case to a judge.

If you work with a representative, you must sign a form called an Appointment of Representative. This form tells Social Security that the person is authorized to act on your behalf. You can find this form at ssa.gov or ask your representative to provide it.

Representatives are paid only if your case is approved. Their fee comes from your back pay—the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled until the date your benefits start. The fee is limited to 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. You do not pay anything out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SSDI if I am still working?

Yes. You can file while you are working, and Social Security will review your case based on your medical condition and your work history. However, if you are earning more than a certain amount per month, Social Security may determine that you are still able to work and deny your claim. The earnings limit changes each year, so ask Social Security what the current limit is when you file.

What if I do not have a lot of medical records?

Tell Social Security when you file. If your records are limited, Social Security may order a consultative exam or ask you to see a doctor. If you cannot afford medical care, explain this to Social Security—they can sometimes help arrange an exam. The key is to be honest about what records you have and what you do not have.

How far back do I need to have worked to have enough work credits?

This depends on your age. If you are under 24, you may need only one and a half years of work in the past three years. If you are 24 to 31, you generally need work in half the years since you turned 21. If you are 31 or older, you usually need at least five years of work in the past ten years. Social Security will tell you exactly how many credits you have when you file.

What if I disagree with the medical evidence Social Security is using?

You can submit a statement from your own doctor explaining why you disagree with Social Security's findings. You can also request that Social Security order a second consultative exam. If your case goes to a hearing, you can present your doctor's opinion to the judge. Judges often give weight to statements from your treating doctor because that doctor knows your medical history best.

Can I file for SSDI on behalf of someone else?

You can help someone file, but they must sign the process themselves unless they are unable to do so due to their disability. If someone is unable to sign, you can become their representative by filing an Appointment of Representative form with Social Security. A parent can file on behalf of a child under 18.